POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF RHYNCHOSIA RUFESCENS (WILLD.) DC. (FABACEAE), A PERENNIAL TRAILING SUB-SHRUB IN THE SOUTHERN EASTERN GHATS, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4462/annbotrm-14121Keywords:
Rhynchosia rufescens, hermaphroditism, explosive pollination mechanism, melittophily, explosive pod dehiscenceAbstract
Rhynchosia rufescens is a perennial trailing sub-shrub. It flowers during September-February. The flowers are hermaphroditic, self-compatible and have explosive pollination mechanism principally adapted for melittophily. The plant is facultative xenogamous but autogamy essentially requires vectors. Pods dehisce explosively to disperse seeds. Re-growth from root stock and propagation by seed together contribute to build up its populations in soils with sufficient moisture and nutrients.